While on patrol, Officer Joseph Rivera spotted Kason M. Taylor of Roselle on the 1100 block of Chandler Avenue at approximately 12:40 a.m. Rivera approached Taylor, who was wanted on an arrest warrant, and saw the suspect place a clear plastic bag into his pocket.

Rivera told Taylor to place his hands on a parked car, Taylor allegedly pushed off the vehicle and elbowed the officer in the chest. The two men struggled briefly before Taylor got away and ran across East St. Georges Avenue into Roselle, police said.

Rivera called for backup and continued his pursuit. Police caught up with Taylor on the 1100 block of Warren Street, authorities said. The officers tried to handcuff the suspect, who allegedly continued to resist by kicking and flailing his arms. Rivera used pepper spray on Taylor, allowing the officers to complete the arrest, police said.

Taylor was found to be in possession of six zip lock bags and three vials of crack cocaine, according to police. He was charged with possession and distribution of cocaine, distribution of CDS within a park zone, resisting arrest, and two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer. He also had two contempt warrants out of Roselle and Elizabeth. His total bail was set at $20,795.

The charges against Taylor are merely accusations; he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Rivera suffered scrapes and bruises to his knees and legs and Officer William Turbett III complained of pain to his left elbow when he and Taylor fell off of steps onto a concrete landing, police said. Both officers were going to see their own physicians for treatment.